Equipments for dragonflies

[sagarmatha]

What kind of equipment do you use for capturing images of these shy insects?

[Greg_C]

A lot depends on the type of shot of the Dragonfly you want to get. Some people use some of the very long tele-zooms (100-400) or longer primes with a set of tubes fitted and get great results. The most common lens would be something around the 100mm length, but 50/60mm will work also. The wider you go the harder it will be to fill the frame with the dragonfly. If you are patient you can shoot DF's wit a MP-E 65

Personally I use a 180L, this allows me a little extra distance. I'll almost always use a flash of some sort to provide a bit of fill light.

Your stalking technique is just as important as the lens you use. Quietly creeping up on the DF from low down is important. Watch where your shadow is.

[recrisp]

Like what was already said, stalking makes the difference, if you move too fast, you will more than likely scare the subject away.
Since I have dragonflies in my backyard, I can walk right up to them and within an inch or so if I need to, and have many times.
(These are not pets or trained at all, they do tend to get used to seeing me, that is the only difference, they still spook if I move too fast)
I have had the same dragonflies fly off several times before that though, and I just stand still, and let them assume I am not a threat, that works more times than not.
Although I do admit though, having them in my pond in the back is a lot easier than having to drive somewhere and test all of this out, you'd more than likely be afraid of scaring them all off.
I remember before dragonflies started appearing in my pond, I'd have to go somewhere to see them, and I'd get excited to take a shot, they'd fly off, and I'd get frustrated some, but it all worked out eventually.
When I first started taking macro, I had a Nikon 990, that had the ability to focus to 1/8" inch of a subject, and I would get that close to a dragonfly, here, not in rivers and lakes, they are fewer and farther in-between.
I did manage to get some good 'wild' shots though in the early days.

I have the Canon 100mm Macro now, along with the MR-14 flash set-up that is macro, they aren't cheap, so you have to be well off, or really serious. :)

Some use these below, do a search here on them and you'll see what it can do, and you can buy these either here in the For Sale section, or at these online stores... (In no particular order)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
http://www.adorama.com/
http://www.amazon.com/

Flashes...
MT24ex
MPe-65
Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite flash

Lenses...
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens
Canon Normal EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens for Select Digital SLR Cameras


Randy

[sagarmatha]

Thanks for your answer. Wouldn't your 100-400 or 400 + extension tubes be better due to a larger working distance? At least when you are not in the backyard?

[recrisp]

I don't know, I haven't really tried it another way, (if you were referring to me...) so it may be, but I don't think it would be.
The reason I say that is, the majority of the guys here that do macro every day, they don't go that route, so there must be a reason, I am essentially copying what I have seen done here, but on a budget, I can't afford all of those shiny new toys those guys can... yet. heheh

Randy

[Lester Wareham]

For dragons I do tend to find I use the 300/f4 IS + 25-35mm of tube, this increases productivity.

However you can get close with the 100mm or even the MP-E 65mm with good technique. It is a frustrating way to start however, as the average dragon is a lot more sensitive than most flies or or butterflies.

[GOLDENORFE]

i use a 70-300is with a 20mm extension tube.
gives good range of magnifications and shooting range of 3-4.5 ft, perfect for dragons!
phil

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

I have used the Canon 300mm f/4 with and without TC's and extension tubes. Mostly I use my Sigma 150mm macro with a tripod. Here is one I took today:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g191/rrdjserv/dragon_1066.jpg

It takes a lot of practice and a little luck. --Rick

[Mike J.]

One thing helpful to remember is they generally are very territorial and they favor "their" perches. If you sit back and observe a few minutes you can ID their favorite perch(s) and set up on them...they will return to that perch again & again.